Name: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 egg; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 2 cloves garlic (minced); ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped); 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking); 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; ½ cucumber (grated and excess moisture squeezed out); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki, a dish that brings the essence of the Mediterranean right to your table. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, casual gathering, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer—these juicy meatballs are infused with aromatic spices and paired with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. Versatile and easy to make, you can enjoy these meatballs on rice, stuffed in pita bread, or served with fresh vegetables. This recipe is simple, family-friendly, and sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki offer a perfect balance of juicy meatballs and refreshing sauce. The meatballs are seasoned with Mediterranean herbs like oregano, parsley, and lemon, giving them a fragrant and vibrant flavor. Paired with the creamy tzatziki made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, every bite delivers a refreshing and savory experience. This dish is not only quick and easy to make but also versatile. Whether served as an appetizer, on a salad, or wrapped in pita, these meatballs are bound to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Tzatziki:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, red onion, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, but don’t overmix.
Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Prepare the Tzatziki: In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (making sure to squeeze out the excess moisture), minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Chill the tzatziki in the fridge until ready to serve.
Serve: Arrange the cooked meatballs on a plate and drizzle with the homemade tzatziki. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to make a vegetarian or lower-fat version.
Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the tzatziki for an extra kick.
Baked Meatballs: For a lighter version, bake the meatballs at 375°F for 15-18 minutes instead of frying them.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through. The tzatziki can be served cold, so no reheating is needed.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef or lamb for the meatballs?

Yes, ground beef or lamb can be used as an alternative to ground chicken for a richer flavor. However, ground chicken offers a lighter option.

Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?

Yes! Tzatziki can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge. The flavors will meld together even more, making it extra delicious.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, the meatballs can be frozen either before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked meatballs, shape them and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use Greek yogurt alternatives for the tzatziki?

Yes, you can use dairy-free yogurt, such as coconut or almond-based yogurt, to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

To ensure the meatballs are cooked through, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open to check that it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I make this dish without an egg?

Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) or a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs mixed with water to bind the meatballs together.

Can I make the meatballs spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili peppers to the meatball mixture for some extra heat.

Can I serve these meatballs with a different sauce?

Yes, if you prefer a different sauce, you can serve the meatballs with hummus, tahini, or a tomato-based sauce instead of tzatziki.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs to make the meatballs gluten-free.

What else can I serve with Greek Chicken Meatballs?

You can serve these meatballs with a side of rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki is the perfect dish to bring the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a gathering, these juicy meatballs paired with the creamy, tangy tzatziki will be a hit. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Serve with pita, rice, or veggies, and enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying!

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki

Why You’ll Love This Recipe